Phrank Shaibu says the ADC presidential campaign will combine rallies with town hall meetings and community visits, insisting that Atiku’s political appeal extends beyond Northern Nigeria.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to campaign across all 36 states of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday. He said the campaign would reach voters nationwide and would not be restricted to the northern region.
Shaibu’s comments come amid a contrast between the ADC’s proposed nationwide campaign and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to participate personally in campaign rallies in 12 states under the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to balance political activities with his responsibilities as president.
According to Shaibu, the ADC campaign timetable would be made public soon, allowing Nigerians to assess the planned engagements and verify that every state had been included.
He insisted that no state would be excluded from Atiku’s campaign activities.
ADC Plans Town Hall Meetings and Community Engagements
Shaibu explained that the ADC’s campaign strategy would go beyond conventional rallies in state capitals. It would also involve town hall meetings, visits to communities and engagements with residents in local government areas and villages.
He said the approach was intended to give Atiku opportunities to interact directly with Nigerians, understand their concerns and hear their experiences amid the country’s economic difficulties.
The campaign spokesman argued that the candidate needed to connect with citizens across different communities rather than rely solely on large political gatherings.
He also maintained that economic hardship was affecting Nigerians across geographical and regional boundaries.
According to Shaibu, people experiencing financial difficulties in states such as Zamfara and Lagos face similar challenges, making economic conditions a central issue in the forthcoming election.
Shaibu Rejects Claims That Atiku’s Appeal Is Limited to the North
The ADC campaign official dismissed suggestions that Atiku’s political prospects were concentrated mainly in Northern Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the former vice-president could attract support from Nigerians across the country, particularly those dissatisfied with prevailing economic conditions.
Shaibu predicted a strong nationwide performance for Atiku, expressing confidence that the candidate could win across the federation.
His remarks reflect the ADC campaign council’s intention to present Atiku as a presidential contender with national appeal as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
However, the outcome will ultimately depend on voter preferences and the performance of the candidates during the election campaign and at the polls.
Tinubu Cites Governance Responsibilities for Limiting Campaign Travel
President Tinubu had earlier indicated that he would not accompany the APC campaign team to every state during the electioneering period.
Speaking at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, Tinubu said the country required his continued attention while the party carried out its campaign activities.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s financial obligations and the need to attract investment as factors influencing his decision to limit his personal participation in rallies.
According to the campaign timetable reported by PUNCH, Tinubu was scheduled to attend rallies in 12 states, with Kaduna listed as the starting point on October 24 and Lagos as the final destination on January 9, 2027.
The difference between the two campaign approaches has emerged as political parties begin preparations to mobilise support ahead of the next presidential election.
2027 Election Campaigns Expected to Intensify
With the 2027 general election approaching, political parties are expected to expand their mobilisation efforts, communicate their policy positions and seek support from voters across Nigeria.
The ADC’s proposed plan to take Atiku’s campaign to every state signals an emphasis on nationwide outreach, including direct engagement with communities outside major cities.
The party’s campaign timetable is expected to provide further details about the locations, dates and format of the planned activities.
For now, Shaibu maintains that the ADC intends to reach Nigerians across the federation and that its campaign will address issues affecting citizens regardless of their region.
